Injured by a Reckless Drunk Driver?
Driving under the influence of alcohol is an epidemic across the United States, particularly in Missouri– an issue that is completely avoidable when properly adhering to the law and safety precautions. Every licensed driver has an inherent duty to follow the laws of the road and drive in a manner that ensures the well-being of others on the road, including both drivers and pedestrians.
Driving under the influence immediately breaches this duty due to the compromised safety. Alcohol consumption can lead to delayed reaction times, poor judgment/decision making, impaired vision, and more while operating a vehicle. These adverse effects often result in accidents that cause harm to both the intoxicated driver and others. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the recklessness of a drunk driver, contact Wallentine Injury Law’s reputable DUI accident attorneys.
Wallentine Injury Law’s Experienced Approach
At Wallentine Injury Law, our primary focus is on civil personal injury cases – including those arising from DUI accidents. We are fully committed to helping victims like you pursue financial compensation and restore your quality of life.
What sets us apart is the depth of experience our lead attorney, Jerry Wallentine, brings to these cases. Before dedicating his practice exclusively to injury law, Jerry represented hundreds of individuals charged with DUI offenses. He handled trials, administrative hearings, and every legal issue that arises in DUI defense. He even completed specific DUI certifications, such as field sobriety testing courses, to better understand how law enforcement and prosecutors handle these cases.
This unique background gives our team an insider’s understanding of how DUI defendants and their legal teams operate. Jerry’s insight can be a powerful advantage when building your civil injury case — from gathering compelling evidence to anticipating defense tactics.
Our team at Wallentine Injury Law can offer a personalized approach to your DUI accident injury case because we know that no accident or injury is the same. We will walk you through every step of the legal process with compassion, clarity, and relentless advocacy. Contact Wallentine Injury Law today to begin your recovery journey.
Missouri DUI Accident Statistics
As mentioned previously, drunk driving is an issue throughout the United States. Even with extensive legislation and campaigns that advocate against drunk driving, the carelessness still persists. This problem is no different in the state of Missouri. In fact, Missouri is ranked in the top 10 worst states for drunk driving according to Forbes. Missouri comes in at 9, just behind South Carolina, with a score of 69.74 out of 100. Additionally, 5.92 drunk drivers are involved in fatal car accidents per 100,000 licensed drivers and 4.30 people are killed in car accidents involving a drunk driver per 100,000 state residents.
More quick facts and stats about Missouri DUI accidents:
- In 2025, 28.54% of traffic fatalities were caused by drunk drivers.
- 138 people were killed in 2023 traffic crashes that involved at least one alcohol-impaired driver.
- Men are more predominantly involved in DUI accidents.
- In 2025, there were 336.38 DUI arrests.
While increased legislation and public awareness campaigns have led to a decline in drunk driving incidents over the years, the problem still remains far too common. At Wallentine Injury Law, we are committed to being part of the solution to end drunk driving by advocating for DUI accident injury victims and holding impaired drivers accountable.
Pursuing a personal injury claim after a DUI crash does more than seek compensation — it sends a clear message that drunk driving has serious consequences. Together, we can help deter future offenses and promote safer roads for everyone.
Missouri Laws to Know in a DUI Accident Injury Case
Our legal team is here to handle every aspect of your case with your best interests at the forefront. However, we also understand that some clients prefer to be more actively involved in the legal process than others. In support of your research, we have outlined a list of valuable Missouri laws and statutes pertaining to your DUI accident case.
Missouri DUI laws that may apply in your case include but are not limited to:
- RSMo 516.120– Establishes the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim, including a DUI accident. You have five years to file a DUI accident claim in Missouri.
- RSMo 537.053– Describes Missouri’s Dram Shop Law which provides a legal framework to hold establishments that sell alcohol accountable in the death or injury of an individual due to the intoxicated defendant.
- RSMo 577.010– Outlines the general definition of driving while intoxicated and related terms. It also gives general penalties of the offense.
- RSMo 577.012– States Missouri’s blood alcohol content (BAC) limit. The limits in Missouri are identical to Kansas limits- 0.08% for drivers over 21, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and zero tolerance for drivers under the legal drinking age of 21.
Common Injuries Sustained in Missouri DUI Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often leave behind a trail of destruction — not just to vehicles, but to the lives and bodies of the people involved. At Wallentine Injury Law, we have seen firsthand how devastating the consequences of a DUI crash can be. When someone makes the reckless choice to drive under the influence, they put innocent lives at risk, and the injuries that result are frequently severe, long-lasting, and life-altering.
Here are some of the most common injuries we encounter in DUI accident cases across Missouri:
- Soft-tissue injuries– Strains, sprains, and tears of muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Limb injuries– Severe fractures of the arms, legs, hands, feet and even ribs.
- Psychological injuries– Emotional trauma including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Spinal cord injuries– Ruptured or fractured vertebrae leaving the victim with severe pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis.
- Internal organ injuries– Damage to the spleen, liver, kidneys, or other organs that can cause internal bleeding.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)– A severe head injury that may cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, and more.
Who Can be Held Liable for a DUI Accident Injury in Missouri?
In Missouri, liability for a DUI-related injury may extend beyond just the intoxicated driver. While the impaired driver is typically the primary party held responsible, other individuals or entities may also share in the fault, depending on the circumstances of the case.
These parties may include:
- The intoxicated driver– It’s not surprising that the drunk driver is most often the central figure in a DUI injury claim. Their choice to drive under the influence is a direct violation of the law, which holds them accountable for any harm induced by their driving.
- Alcohol vendors– Per the Missouri Dram Shop law, establishments that sell alcohol can be held liable if the person is involved in a DUI accident. Establishments may include liquor stores, restaurants, or convenience stores.
- Negligent Entrustment– When someone knowingly entrusts a vehicle to be operated by an intoxicated person, they can be held liable for the damages caused.
Our firm works hard to hold negligent parties accountable in DUI accident cases- no matter who it may be. We pull resources together such as accident reports, witness statements, medical reports, and more to compile the most compelling case possible for our clients. No one should have to suffer because of an impaired driver’s reckless decision. Let Wallentine Injury Law help you pursue the compensation you deserve when the unexpected event of a DUI accident arises.
Contact Wallentine Injury Law for Compensation
Our firm understands the physical, emotional, and financial hardships that follow a DUI accident injury. You don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. Our experienced team of attorneys and paralegals is here to guide you every step of the way — fighting on your behalf for the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
If you’re the victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence. Drunk driving is a blatant form of negligence — and those affected by it deserve strong legal representation and meaningful restitution.
Wallentine Injury Law is here to assist when your life is overturned from a DUI accident injury. We offer a free, no-risk, no-obligation consultation for personal injury clients. Contact us online today or call at 816-934-6333 to start your case and help make Missouri roads safer for everyone.
